Pat Flynn's Podcast Equipment List

Many entrepreneurs are familiar with the  Smart Passive Income Podcast, hosted by Pat Flynn, a resource for all those seeking to build and grow their online businesses. Launched in 2010, the podcast features weekly episodes that include interviews with industry experts, practical strategies, and advice on topics like blogging, marketing, and passive income generation. Let's take a look at what equipment Pat Flynn uses to produce his show.

Mic

Model: Heil PR40

Price: $349

Pros

• Great Sound: this mic offers an extended low-frequency response and a warm, intimate sound that is clear and articulate.

• Flat Frequency Response: The mic has a superbly flat frequency response, making it easy to EQ.

• Excellent Noise Rejection: The supercardioid pattern effectively rejects side and rear noise, ideal for less-than-perfect recording environments.

• Rugged Build: Constructed with high-quality materials, it is heavy and durable, designed for professional use.

Cons

• Tight XLR Jack: The XLR connection can be a bit tight, making it challenging to connect and disconnect.

• No Included Cable: The microphone does not come with an XLR cable, which must be purchased separately.

• Lack of Gain Control: There is no built-in gain control or headphone monitoring, requiring external equipment for optimal use.

Model: Rode NTG 2

Price: $269

Pros

• Dual Power Options: The NTG-2 can operate on phantom power (48V) or with a removable AA battery, providing flexibility for different recording setups.

• Sound Quality: It delivers a clear and natural sound with a smooth frequency response, making it suitable for various applications.

• Directional Pickup: The microphone features a highly directional pickup pattern, which helps in rejecting off-axis noise effectively. This is beneficial in noisy environments where isolating the subject's voice is important.

Cons

• Low Output Levels: Many users report that the NTG-2 has relatively low output levels, requiring higher gain settings to get usable audio levels.

• High Frequency Emphasis: Some users have noted that the mic tends to capture excessive treble, leading to a sound profile that may not be ideal for all voices.

• No On/Off Switch: This can be inconvenient when using battery power, as disconnecting the battery is required to conserve power between sessions.

For his Smart Passive Income Podcast, Pat Flynn uses two microphones at different times, the Heil PR40 and the Rode NTG 2. Both of these microphones have their pros and cons, but both can be considered high-quality podcasting microphones. The main concern with these two podcasts is their rather high price point. There are professional microphones out there for a lower price, but as you can see podcasters like Amy Porterfield and Leo Laporte also love the Heil PR40.

Audio Interface

Model: Rode Rodecaster Pro

Price: around $599

Pros

• High-Quality Audio: The preamps are clean and provide sufficient gain for most microphones without additional boosters.

• Regular Firmware Updates: Continuous improvements and new features are added through firmware updates, enhancing functionality over time.

• Multitrack Recording: Capable of recording multiple channels simultaneously, which is beneficial for complex productions.

Cons

• Noise Floor Issues: The preamps can introduce noise if too much gain is applied or if dynamic microphones are used from a distance.

• Limited High-Resolution Support: It operates at a maximum of 24-bit/48kHz, which may not satisfy users needing higher fidelity.

• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Although it is user-friendly, mastering all the advanced features can take time and may be daunting for some users.

For recording his podcast Pat Flynn uses the Rode Rodecaster Pro interface. This allows for multitrack recording and is popular with both podcasters and streamers. The only thing that might deter you from choosing this interface is that it can have quite a steep learning curve. Yet once you get the hang of it, it really is user-friendly.

Camera

Model: Canon EOS R with a Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Wide-Angle Fixed Lens

Price: The camera body is $1499, while the lens can be found for around $300

Pros

• Image Quality: It has a 30.3 MP full-frame sensor for detailed images, as well as an ISO range of 100-40,000 (expandable to 102,400) for decent low-light performance.

• Autofocus Performance: Excellent Dual Pixel AF covering 88% horizontal and 100% vertical frame for high accuracy.

• Video Features: Supports 4K video recording (with a crop factor), there is also the Canon Log support for enhanced dynamic range suitable for color grading.

Cons

• 4K Crop Factor: Significant crop factor (1.8x) reduces the effective focal length, limiting wide-angle capabilities.

• Lack of In-Body Stabilization: No IBIS; relies on lens-based stabilization, which can be limiting during handheld shooting.

• Battery Life: Relatively mediocre battery life compared to DSLRs, requiring multiple batteries for longer sessions.

For his video podcast episodes, Pat Flynn uses the Canon EOS R, specifically with the Canon EF 20mm lens. It’s a great camera all around, of course, the battery life is short, but it’s hard to find a good camera with a long-lasting battery life. The best thing to do is keep extra batteries on hand. The only other thing to consider here is that this camera does crop 4k video, which can affect your footage. Given this and the price point, we’d say avoid it if you are just starting out.

Lighting

Aputure Light Storm LS C120D Mark 2 120D with Aputure Light Dome II Studio Reflector Softbox and Godox Honeycomb Grid

Price: $749

Pat Flynn chose the Aputure Light Storm kit for his video podcasting lighting. It is a great light that includes a cooling system, so as not to heat up and make any noise. It also can be operated by remote control and offers various effects. The only cons to consider are that it does take a lot of power, 180W, and it can take some time to learn how to best use this kit. 

Additional Video Podcast Equipment

Microphone Stand: Heil Sound PL-2T

Price: $115

Pat Flynn uses the Heil Sound PL-2T as his microphone boom arm. It’s a good choice, especially with his microphones of choice. It features internal spring tension that enables silent movement, making it ideal for video podcasting. It also is equipped with an innovative C-Clamp for easy attachment to various surfaces. 

Capture Device: BlackMagic Web Presenter

Price: $515

To help with live streams, and even recording straight to the computer, Pat Flynn uses the BlackMagic Web Presenter. This is a device designed to convert SDI signals into H.264 format for seamless transmission to popular streaming platforms such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch. It functions as a compact encoder that allows users to stream high-quality video directly over the internet. The device features USB connections that enable it to be recognized as a webcam.

Want to make a podcast like Pat Flynn?

As you can see, video podcasting can really be an investment. Ultimately it depends on your show, Pat Flynn has gone all out for the Smart Passive Income Podcast, but your show may be better off with other equipment. Lower Street can help you find the right tools. We’ll work with you from concept to promotion, making your show a success. To start, we’ll look at your show format and recommend the best equipment for you. Get in touch to learn more.